Information processing device, control method thereof, and program

ABSTRACT

An information processing device which can communicate with an image processing device on a network is characterized by comprising a search indication unit for issuing a search indication for searching the image processing device on the network, a first transmission unit for transmitting a request for changing a power saving state of the image processing device on the network to a normal state in response to the search indication issued by the search indication unit, a second transmission unit for transmitting a search request for searching the image processing device after the request was transmitted by the first transmission unit, and a designation unit for designating a transmission range of the request transmitted by the first transmission unit, and characterized in that the second transmission unit transmits the search request to the transmission range designated by the designation unit.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 11/188,185,filed Jul. 22, 2005, the entire disclosure of which is herebyincorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an information processing device whichacts as a network device search device for searching a device on anetwork, a control method which is applied to the information processingdevice, and a program which causes the information processing device tooperate.

2. Related Background Art

Conventionally, network devices such as a printer, a multifunctionalmachine and the like which are connected to a network and can beoperated from a computer through the network are generally used. Basedon this, various management software which is used to easily use thesenetwork devices is developed. Here, it should be noted that the relevantmanagement software provides various functions, for managing the networkdevice, such as the function for searching the device, the function forsetting a network address, the device for controlling the device, andthe like.

Incidentally, by the management software, there are various systems ofsearching the device on the network. Here, one of these systems, aso-called broadcast system can be used.

More specifically, in the broadcast system, the management softwarebroadcasts a search request packet for the device through the network,the device which received the search request packet sends a searchresponse to the management software, whereby the presence of the targetdevice is searched. Incidentally, although the relevant broadcast systemcan be easily implemented, a broadcast packet cannot often pass therouter which connects the adjacent networks mutually. This is because anetwork manager generally sets the router not to execute the routing forthe broadcast packet so as to control unnecessary network traffic. As aresult, in case of searching the device according to the broadcastsystem, there is a problem that the searchable range is reluctantlynarrowed within an identical subnet.

For this reason, a device search system which uses multicasting insteadof the broadcasting is developed. Here, in the multicasting, as well asthe broadcasting, it is possible to simultaneously transmit data toplural destinations. However, the multicasting is different from thebroadcasting in the point that, by transmitting the data to a specificaddress dedicated for the multicasting, the relevant data can betransmitted only to a node which prepares data reception from themulticast address. According to such a characteristic of themulticasting, packet routing by the router is often permitted withrespect to a multicast packet. Incidentally, it is generally determinedaccording to the following rule whether nor not to transfer the packetreceived by the router to another network.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the constitution of a packet. That is, aTCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol) packet has theconstitution as indicated by numeral 101 in FIG. 1, and, in the TCP/IPpacket 101, an IP header portion 102 has a TTL (Time To Live) region103. Although an initial value of the TTL value (i.e., the value of theTTL region) is set to the TTL region 103 by the transmission side, therouter which received the TCP/IP packet 101 decreases its TTL value oneby one, and then transfers the received packet to another network. Atthat time, when the TTL value of the received packet is equal to or lessthan “1”, the router discards the relevant packet without transferringit. By doing so, it is assured that the situation which keepstransferring an unnecessary packet eternally does not occur. Accordingto the above rule, the packet transmission side can control the rangethat the packet reaches, by appropriately setting the TTL value of thepacket that the packet transmission side itself first transmits.

Incidentally, the SLP (Service Location Protocol) defined by the RFC(Request For Comments) 2608 is the protocol which enables to search aservice on the network by using the multicasting. FIG. 2 is a diagramshowing the packet constitution of the Service Request (function=1)which is the command for searching the service in the SLP, and FIG. 3 isa diagram showing the packet constitution of the Service Reply(function=2) which is the command for causing the service which receivedthe Service Request to transmit a response.

According to the packet constitution as shown in FIG. 2, thetransmission side generates the search request packet in which a type201 and a scope 202 of the service intended to be searched aredescribed, and then transmits the generated search request packet byusing the multicasting. Subsequently, the node which received the searchrequest packet on the network analyzes the contents thereof. Here, if itis analyzed that the node conforms to the search condition indicated bythe received search request packet, the relevant node transmits theresponse with the packet constitution shown in FIG. 3. Meanwhile, if itis analyzed that the node does not conform to the search condition, therelevant node discards the received search request packet.

Incidentally, the improvement for controlling (or suppressing) the powerconsumption in such a network device as above currently advances withthe object of energy saving. In particular, in the device such as aprinter, a copying machine or the like of which the power consumption ishigh because it executes image fixation by using heat, it is thoughtthat how power consumption is low contributes to popularize the relevantproducts including the network device itself. Ordinarily, if the statethat the device is not operated or handled by a user for a certainperiod of time continues, or if the state that communication between thedevice and another device or a computer is not executed for a certainperiod of time continues, the relevant device comes to be in a sleepmode (that is, a power saving mode). Then, in the sleep mode, power isfed only to the hardware such as a one-chip microcomputer, a LAN (localarea network) controller and the like of which the power consumption islow so as to maintain the bare essentials of the functions. In otherwords, the relevant device controls the power consumption by stoppingunnecessary power feeding. Moreover, the relevant device can restart allthe functions in response to a user's operation (or handling). Inaddition, the relevant device can restart all the functions also whenthe packet of a specific data format is received from the network.Incidentally, it should be noted that “sleep mode” may be equivalent to“sleep state” throughout the specification and the drawings.

However, since the above network device has the sleep mode as describedabove, the following problem occurs when the management softwaresearches the device. That is, in the case where the device is in thesleep mode, even if the device search request is transmitted by themanagement software, no response is returned because the device does notreturns to its normal state, whereby it is resultingly impossible tosearch the device.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention has been brought to completion in consideration ofthe above conventional problem, and an object of the present inventionis to, even if a device is in the sleep state, effectively search therelevant device.

To achieve the above object, the present invention is characterized byan information processing device which can communicate with an imageprocessing device on a network, comprising:

a search indication unit adapted to issue a search indication forsearching the image processing device on the network;

a first transmission unit adapted to transmit a request for releasingfrom a power saving state of the image processing device on the networkto a normal state;

a second transmission unit adapted to transmit a search request forsearching the image processing device, after the request was transmittedby the first transmission unit; and

a designation unit adapted to designate a transmission range of thesearch request transmitted by the second transmission unit,

wherein the first transmission unit transmits the search request to atransmission range which includes the transmission range designated bythe designation unit at least.

Further, the present invention is characterized by an informationprocessing device which can communicate with an image processing deviceon a network, comprising:

a first transmission unit adapted to transmit a request for changing apower saving state of the image processing device on the network to anormal state;

a second transmission unit adapted to transmit a search request forsearching the image processing device;

a selection unit adapted to select either one of a first search methodof transmitting the search request by the second transmission unit aftertransmitting the request by the first transmission unit, and a secondmethod of transmitting the search request by the second transmissionunit without transmitting the request by the first transmission unit;and

a control unit adapted to control the first transmission unit or thesecond transmission unit on the basis of the search method selected bythe selection unit.

Other features, objects and advantages of the present invention will beapparent from the following description when taken in conjunction withthe accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters designatethe same or similar parts throughout the figures thereof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute apart of the specification, illustrate the embodiments of the inventionand, together with the description, serve to explain the principles ofthe invention.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the packet constitution typically used inthe related background art;

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the packet constitution of the ServiceRequest command in the SLP;

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the packet constitution of the Service Replyin the SLP;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a network device search systemaccording to the first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the device search device;

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the network device;

FIG. 7 is a flow chart showing the process of device search softwareaccording to the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the device list generated bythe device search device according to the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a wakeup packet according tothe present invention;

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a search request packetaccording to the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a search response packetaccording to the present invention;

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a change of the state of the deviceaccording to the present invention;

FIG. 13 is a flow chart showing the process of the device in the sleepstate according to the present invention;

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of the screen for setting devicesearch according to the present invention;

FIG. 15 is a flow chart showing the search response judgment process inthe device according to the present invention;

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of the search screen based onthe device search software according to the present invention;

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of the search screen based onthe device search software according to the present invention;

FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an example of the search-executed devicelist according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an example of the search-executed devicelist according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 20 is a block diagram showing a network device search systemaccording to the second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 21 is a diagram showing an example of the search-executed devicelist according to the second embodiment;

FIG. 22 is a diagram showing an example of the search-executed devicelist according to the second embodiment;

FIG. 23 is a block diagram showing the constitution of a network systemaccording to the third embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 24 is a block diagram showing an example of the constitution of animage forming device according to the third embodiment;

FIG. 25 is a block diagram showing an example of the constitution of animage processing device according to the third embodiment;

FIG. 26 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardwareconstitution of the controller unit of the image forming deviceaccording to the third embodiment;

FIG. 27 is a block diagram for explaining the functional constitutionand the processing operation by the installer according to the thirdembodiment;

FIG. 28 is a flow chart showing the process by the control unit of theimage processing control unit according to the third embodiment;

FIG. 29 is a flow chart showing the monitoring process from the deepsleep state to the generation of a return signal, according to the thirdembodiment;

FIG. 30 is a diagram for explaining the SLP multicast packet which is anexample of the data pattern which includes the communication informationto be transmitted to an unspecified device or plural specified devicesand the identifiers to be used to control the power source, according tothe third embodiment;

FIG. 31 is a flow chart showing the whole search process according tothe third embodiment;

FIG. 32 is a flow chart showing another search process according to thethird embodiment;

FIG. 33 is a flow chart showing the search process according to thethird embodiment;

FIG. 34 is a diagram showing a display example of the list of simplesearch according to the third embodiment;

FIG. 35 is a diagram showing a display example of the list of wholesearch according to the third embodiment; and

FIG. 36 is a diagram showing another display example of the list ofsearching according to the third embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS First Embodiment

Hereinafter, the first embodiment of the present invention will beexplained with reference to the attached drawings.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a network device search systemaccording to the first embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 4,three LAN's 400, 410 and 420 are mutually connected through routers 430and 440. More specifically, a computer device 401 and a device 402 aretogether connected to the LAN 400, a device 411 is connected to the LAN410, and a device 421 is connected to the LAN 420. Here, it should benoted that the above device is the image processing device such as aprinter, a copying machine, a facsimile machine, a scanner, amultifunctional machine or the like.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an example of the constitution of thecomputer device 401 which can be used as the network device searchdevice according to the present invention. Here, it should be noted thatthe network device search device according to the present invention canbe achieved by the computer device equivalent to a conventionalmulti-purpose computer.

In FIG. 5, an HD (hard disk) 511 stores therein the program for causingthe computer device 410 to function as the network device search deviceaccording to the present embodiment. In the following explanation,unless otherwise noted, the network device search device executes theprocess mainly by a CPU 501, and the software is controlled mainly bynetwork device search software stored in the HD 511. Besides, in FIG. 5,numeral 502 denotes a ROM, numeral 503 denotes a RAM, numeral 505denotes a KBC (keyboard controller), numeral 509 denotes a KB(keyboard), numeral 506 denotes a CRTC (CRT controller), numeral 510denotes a CRT, numeral 507 denotes a DKC (disk controller), numeral 512denotes an FD (flexible disk or Floppy™ disk), numeral 508 denotes anNIC (network interface controller) 508, and numeral 504 denotes a bus.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram for explaining the hardware constitution ofthe network device. Hereinafter, it should be noted that the networkdevice will be explained by way of example. That is, in a printer 600 ofFIG. 6, a CPU (printer CPU) 601 totally controls the accessing tovarious devices connected through a system bus 604 on the basis of thecontrol program stored in a program ROM 603, and then output an imagesignal as the output information to a printer engine (print unit) 610connected through a print I/F (interface) 607. Moreover, a controlprogram and the like which can be executed by the CPU 601 are stored inthe program ROM 603. Besides, font data (including outline font data)and the like which are used to generate the output information arestored in a font ROM 603, and the information and the like which areused on a host computer are stored in a data ROM 603. The CPU 601 canexecute the communication process with the host computer on the networkthrough a LAN controller 606. Incidentally, a RAM 602 mainly functionsas the main memory and the working area for the CPU 601, and the memorycapacity of the RAM 602 can be expanded by an option RAM connected to anot-shown expansion port. Also, the RAM 602 can be used as an outputinformation extraction region, an environment data storage region andthe like. A DKC (disk controller) 608 controls the accessing to anexternal storage device 611 such as an HD (hard disk), an IC card andthe like. The HD stores therein font data, an emulation program, formdata and the like. Besides, the HD is also used as the job storageregion which temporarily spools a print job to be externally controlled.Numeral 605 denotes an operation panel by which a user can input variousinformation through the software keys arranged thereon. Incidentally, itshould be noted that the number of the external storage devices is notlimited to one, that is, two or more external storage devices may beprovided. More specifically, it is possible to connect, to the printer600, the plural font cards which provide various fonts in addition tothe built-in fonts, and the plural external memories each of which holdsthe program for interpreting a printer control language of differentlanguage system. Numeral 609 denotes a nonvolatile memory which storesprinter mode setting information input from the operation panel 605 withrespect to each user and/or each group.

Although not shown in the drawing, the printer 600 can be optionallyequipped with various expansion devices such as a finisher of executinga stapling function and a sorting function, a double-sided printingdevice of executing a double-sided printing function, and the like.Here, it should be noted that the CPU 601 also controls the operationsof these expansion devices.

A power source control unit 612 which controls power feeding to eachunit disposed in the printer 600 is equipped with two kinds of powersource control lines, that is, one is a line 614 which is connected tothe LAN controller 606 and the operation panel 605, and the other is aline 613 which is connected to the printer controller and the printerengine 610. In this connection, when the standby state of the printer600 continues for a certain period of time and thus the CPU 601indicates to come into the sleep mode, the power feeding on the line 613is stopped, whereby only the LAN controller 606, the operation panel 605and the power source control unit 612 which are all connected to theline 614 can operate. Moreover, a specific data pattern can beregistered in the LAN controller 606. Thus, when a packet including therelevant data pattern is received from the network, the power sourcecontrol unit 612 is indicated to restart the power feeding to the line613 so as to return the printer 600 to its normal state. When the CPU601 starts to execute the control program, it also executes the datapattern registration process with respect to the LAN controller 606.Here, it should be noted that, as described later, a part of the datapattern to be registered can be set by the user. In any case, in thefollowing explanation, the packet which includes the specific datapattern to return the sleep state of the device to the normal state iscalled a wakeup packet as a matter of convenience.

FIG. 7 is a flow chart showing the process according to the networkdevice search software.

When it is indicated to search the network device, the TTL (Time ToLive) value and a SCOPE value which are input and set by a user throughthe search setting screen shown in FIG. 17 and used in the transmissionpacket are acquired in a step S701. Then, in a step S702, the wakeuppacket to change the sleep state of the device to the normal state istransmitted by using multicasting, and, at that time, the TTL valueacquired in the step S701 is set to the wakeup packet, and “AAA” isalways set to the SCOPE value. Incidentally, the format of the wakeuppacket will be described later with reference to FIG. 9.

After then, in a step S703, it waits for a certain period of time, e.g.,10 seconds, until the sleep state of the device changes to the normalstate. Here, it is of course possible by the user to freely change therelative period of time.

Next, in a step S704, the search request packet is transmitted by usingthe multicasting. At that time, the TTL value and the SCOPE valueacquired in the step S701 are set in the search request packet.Incidentally, the format of the search request packet will be describedlater with reference to FIG. 10. Subsequently, in a step S705, it isjudged whether or not a search response is received from the device.Incidentally, the format of the search response packet will be describedlater with reference to FIG. 11. If it is judged that the searchresponse is received from the device, the flow advances to a step S706to pick up the device information such as the MAC (media access control)address, the IP (Internet Protocol) address and the like of the relevantdevice from the received search response, and add the picked-upinformation to a device list. Subsequently, the flow advances to a stepS707. Here, it should be noted that the device list is as shown in FIG.8 in which the device information responsive to the search request isheld in the form of a list. Incidentally, when it is judged in the stepS705 that the search response is not received from the device, the flowsimilarly advances to the step S707. In the step S707, it is judgedwhether or not a predetermined period of time elapses from thetransmission of the search request packet in the step S704. In thatcase, for example, it is judged whether or not ten seconds elapses.However, it is of course possible by the user to arbitrarily change thevalue of the predetermined period of time. Incidentally, if it is judgedin the step S707 that the predetermined period of time does not elapse,the flow returns to the step S705. Meanwhile, if it is judged in thestep S707 that the predetermined period of time elapses, the flowadvances to a step S708 to display the formed device list, andthereafter the process ends. Incidentally, in the flow chart of FIG. 7,the search request packet is transmitted after the predetermined periodof time elapsed from the transmission of the wakeup packet. However, thewakeup packet and the search request packet can be transmitted togetheras one packet.

FIG. 9 shows an example of the wakeup packet which is transmitted in thestep S702 of FIG. 7. In FIG. 9, the wakeup packet designates“wakeup.AAA” as the service type according to the SLP (Service LocationProtocol) format. Thus, if the LAN controller 606 of the device receivesthe relevant SLP packet which designates “wakeup.AAA” as the servicetype, its sleep state returns to the normal state. That is, the presentembodiment shows the case where “wakeup.AAA” is registered as thespecific data patter in the LAN controller 606 of the device.

FIG. 10 shows an example of the search request packet which istransmitted in the step S704 of FIG. 7. In FIG. 10, the search requestpacket designates “service:ws-discovery.AAA” as the service type to besearched and “AAA” as the SCOPE value according to the SLP format.

FIG. 11 shows an example of the search response packet which is receivedin the step S705 of FIG. 7. In FIG. 11, the search response packetreturns the URL Entry which includes the information such as theaccessing URL and the like, according to the SLP format.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a change of the state of the device. In anormal state 1201, if the situation that any operation is not executedby the user continues for a certain period of time continues, or if thesituation that any communication to another device or computer is notexecuted for a certain period of time continues, the relevant state ischanged to a sleep state 1202. In the sleep state 1202, if the operation(handling) is executed by the user, or if the wakeup packet is receivedfrom the network, the relevant state is changed to the normal state1202.

FIG. 13 is a flow chart showing the process of the device to be executedin the sleep state. That is, in a step S1301, if the wakeup packet asshown in FIG. 9 transmitted from the network is received by the devicein the sleep state, the flow advances to a step S1302. In the stepS1302, the sleep state of the device is changed to the normal state (ornormal mode). Then, if the search request packet as shown in FIG. 10 isreceived in a step S1303, the flow advances to a step S1304 to analyzethe received packet. Subsequently, in a step S1305, it is judged whetheror not to respond to the search request. Then, if it is judged torespond to the search request, the flow advances to a step S1306 totransmit the search response as shown in FIG. 11, and the process ends.Meanwhile, if it is judged not to respond to the search request, theflow advances to a step S1307 to discard the received search requestpacket, and the process ends. Incidentally, whether or not to respond tothe search request will be explained in detail with reference to FIG.15.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of the screen for setting thedevice search on the operation panel 605.

More specifically, in FIG. 14, whether or not to execute the SLPresponse on the device is determined by selecting either a buttons 1401or a button 1402. Here, when the SLP response is executed, it ispossible to also execute the. SCOPE setting to which the device belongs.That is, when a button 1403 is depressed, a software keyboard (notshown) is displayed so that the SCOPE information can be input by theuser. Then, the input information is displayed in a region 1404. FIG. 14shows the example that “AAA” is input as the SCOPE value. Here, theitems set on this screen are stored in the nonvolatile memory 609 bydepressing a button 1405. Incidentally, in the present embodiment, theSCOPE value set on this screen is used only for the judgment processshown in FIG. 15, that is, the SCOPE value does not influence theregistration of the data pattern to the LAN controller 606.

FIG. 15 is the flow chart showing in detail the search response judgmentprocess in the step S1305 of FIG. 13.

Initially, in a step S1501, the SCOPE value set on the screen shown inFIG. 14 is acquired. Next, in a step S1502, it is judged whether or notthe SCOPE value designated by the received search request packet is thesame as the SCOPE value acquired in the step S1501. If it is judged thatthe SCOPE value designated by the received search request packet is thesame as the SCOPE value acquired in the step S1501, the flow advances toa step S1503 to further judge whether or not the service type designatedby the received search request packet is “service:ws-discovery.AAA”. Ifit is judged that the service type designated by the received searchrequest packet is “service:ws-discovery.AAA”, it is judged to respond tothe search request (step S1504). Meanwhile, if it is judged in the stepS1502 that the SCOPE value designated by the received search requestpacket is not the same as the SCOPE value acquired in the step S1501, itis judged to not respond to the search request (step S1505). Inaddition, if it is judged that the service type designated by thereceived search request packet is not “service:ws-discovery.AAA”, it isalso judged to not respond to the search request (step S1505).

Subsequently, the operation to be executed in the device search on thenetwork shown in FIG. 4 will be explained. In that case, it is assumedthat all of the devices 402, 411 and 421 are in the sleep state.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of the search screen which isdisplayed on the device search device (computer device) 401 based on thedevice search software. On the search screen shown in FIG. 16, thesearch setting is executed by depressing a setting button 1601, and thesearch is actually executed according to the flow chart of FIG. 7 whenan execution button 1602 is depressed. Then, the device list which isgenerated as the result of the search process is displayed in a region1603. More specifically, when the setting button 1601 is depressed by auser, the search setting screen as shown in FIG. 17 is displayed, andthe TTL value and the SCOPE value are thus input on the displayed searchsetting screen by the user.

In FIG. 17, if “1” is input as the TTL value to execute the search, then“1” is set as the TTL value in each of the wakeup packet and the searchrequest packet. Thus, the wakeup packet transmitted from the networkdevice search device (computer device) 401 is received by the router430, but the received wakeup packet is not transferred to the LAN 410because the TTL value is “1”. As a result, only the device 402 on theLAN 400 receives the wakeup packet, whereby its sleep state is changedto the normal state. On the other hand, the devices 411 and 421 arestill in the sleep mode because they do not receive any wakeup packet.

Subsequently, the search request packet transmitted from the networkdevice search device 401 is not also transferred from the router 430 tothe LAN 410 because the TTL value thereof is “1”. Thus, only the device402 on the LAN 400 receives the search request packet, and returns thesearch response to the network device search device 401. As a result,the network device search device 401 can accordingly search one device,and thus displays the device list as shown in FIG. 18.

Next, in FIG. 17, if “2” is input as the TTL value to execute thesearch, then “2” is set as the TTL value in each of the wakeup packetand the search request packet. Thus, the wakeup packet transmitted fromthe network device search device 401 is received by the router 430, “1”is subtracted from the TTL value of the received wakeup packet by therouter 430, and then the acquired wakeup packet is transferred to theLAN 410. Moreover, the wakeup packet transferred to the LAN 410 isreceived by the router 440, but the received wakeup packet is nottransferred to the LAN 420 because the TTL value thereof is “1”. As aresult, each of the device 402 on the LAN 400 and the device 411 on theLAN 410 receives the wakeup packet, whereby their sleep state is changedto the normal state. On the other hand, the device 421 is still in thesleep mode because it does not receive any wakeup packet. Next, also theTTL value of the search request packet transmitted from the networkdevice search device 401 is “2”, whereby this packet is transferred tothe LAN 410 by the router 430 but is not transferred to the LAN 420 bythe router 440. Thus, each of the device 402 on the LAN 400 and thedevice 411 on the LAN 410 receives the search request packet, andreturns the search response to the network device search device 401. Asa result, the network device search device 401 can accordingly searchtwo device, and thus displays the device list as shown in FIG. 19.

Second Embodiment

Subsequently, the second embodiment of the present invention will beexplained hereinafter.

It should be noted that the basic constitution in the second embodimentis the same as that in the first embodiment, whereby only the pointsdifferent from the first embodiment will be explained hereinafter. Thatis, in the first embodiment, the sleep mode of the device is returned tothe normal mode by always using “AAA” as the SCOPE value of the wakeuppacket. However, in the present embodiment, the SCOPE value is madevariable so as to enable fine search control as compared with the searchcontrol in the first embodiment.

FIG. 20 is a block diagram showing a constitutional example of a networkdevice search system according to the second embodiment of the presentinvention. In FIG. 20, a search device 2001 and devices 2002, 2003 and2004 are mutually connected on a LAN 2000. Here, in the presentembodiment, although the plural LAN's can be mutually connected throughthe respective routers as well as the first embodiment, the system whichis simplified as much as possible will be explained so as to clarify thedifference from first embodiment.

The search software running on the search device 2001 basically executesthe process as shown in FIG. 7. However, the SCOPE value acquired in thestep S701 is set to the wakeup packet to be transmitted in the stepS702.

Moreover, in the search setting to be executed on the operation panel asshown in FIG. 14, the SCOPE value set by the user is also used to theregistration of the data pattern to the LAN controller 606. As a result,to change the sleep state of the device to the normal state, it isnecessary to transmit the wakeup packet having the value same as theSCOPE value set here.

Subsequently, the device search operation to be executed by the user onthe network shown in FIG. 20 will be explained hereinafter.Incidentally, in the actual device search, it is assumed that thedevices 2002, 2003 and 2004 are all in the sleep state. Moreover, it isassumed that “Floor1” is set as the SCOPE value to the device 2002 and“Floor2” is set as the SCOPE value respectively to the devices 2003 and2004 in the method as shown in FIG. 14.

When the user inputs “Floor1” as the SCOPE value on the screen shown inFIG. 17 to execute the device search, “Floor1” is set as the SCOPE valuerespectively to the wakeup packet and the search request packet in thesearch process shown in the flow chart of FIG. 7. Thus, the wakeuppacket transmitted from the search device 2001 is received by all thedevices 2002, 2003 and 2004. In that case, only the device 2002 to which“Floor1” has been set comes to be in the normal state, but the remainingdevices 2003 and 2004 are still in the sleep mode. That is, the specificdata pattern in the first embodiment by which the device in the sleepstate returns to the normal state is the SLP packet to which“wakeup.AAA” has been registered, but the specific data pattern in thesecond embodiment is the SLP packet to which “wakeup.AAA” has beenregistered and the SCOPE value same as the SCOPE value registered in thedevice has been registered as the SCOPE value.

Subsequently, the search request packet transmitted from the searchdevice 2001 is received only by the device 2002 being in the normalstate, and the search response is transmitted from the device 2002 tothe search device 2001. As a result, the search device 2001 canaccordingly search one device, and thus displays the device list asshown in FIG. 21.

Next, when the user inputs “Floor2” as the SCOPE value on the screenshown in FIG. 17 to execute the device search, “Floor2” is set as theSCOPE value respectively to the wakeup packet and the search requestpacket in the search process shown in the flow chart of FIG. 7. Thus,the wakeup packet transmitted from the search device 2001 is received byall the devices 2002, 2003 and 2004. In that case, the devices 2003 and2004 to which “Floor2” has been set as the SCOPE value of the devicecome to be in the normal state, but the remaining device 2002 is stillin the sleep mode. Then, the search request packet transmitted from thesearch device 2001 is received by the devices 2003 and 2004 being in thenormal state, and the search response is transmitted from each of thedevices 2003 and 2004 to the search device 2001. As a result, the searchdevice 2001 can accordingly search two devices, and thus displays thedevice list as shown in FIG. 22.

Incidentally, in the above first and second embodiments, theconventional computer device as shown in FIG. 5 is used as the searchdevice. However, the present invention is not limited to this. That is,for example, it is of course possible for a device such as a copyingmachine or the like having the operation panel to store the searchsoftware in its ROM and then actually search another device by its CPUexecuting the stored software.

Third Embodiment

Subsequently, the third embodiment of the present invention will beexplained hereinafter.

In the above first and second embodiments, the sleep state of the deviceis explained as the unique state. However, it is thought that the sleepstate of one device is divided into the plural levels and the dividedlevels are managed and controlled. In other words, the device which hasthe plural sleep states according to the levels for interrupting powersupply or power feeding can be provided. In the present embodiment, itshould be noted that the plural sleep states are classified into twoaccording to their levels, that is, deep sleep and light sleep. In anycase, the contents of the sleep states of each of the deep sleep and thelight sleep will be explained later.

In the present embodiment, the method of more effectively executing thedevice search in a case where the computer searches the device havingthe two kinds of sleep states, that is, the deep sleep and the lightsleep, will be explained.

FIG. 23 is a block diagram showing the constitution of a network systemaccording to the third embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 23,each of numerals 2301 and 2302 denotes and image forming device such asa digital copying machine or the like which is equivalent to the printdevice in the present invention, and each of the image forming devices2301 and 2302 mainly has the image output function. Each of numerals2303 and 2304 denotes a PC (personal computer) which functions as a hostcomputer equivalent to the information processing device in the presentinvention. Here, it should be noted that the image forming devices 2301and 2302 and the PC's 2303 and 2304 are mutually connected through a LAN2305.

In each of the image forming devices 2301 and 2302, numeral 2310 denotesan operation unit by which a user executes various operations andhandlings, numeral 2320 denotes an image scanner which is used to readvarious image information in response to the indication transferred fromthe operation unit 2310, and numeral 2330 denotes a printer which printsthe image information on a paper. Moreover, numeral 2340 denotes acontroller unit which controls outputting of the image information tothe image scanner 2320 and the printer 2330 in response to theindications transferred from the operation unit 2310 and the PC's 2303and 2304.

For example, if print data acting as the image information istransmitted from the PC 2303 or 2304 to the image forming device 2301 or2302 through the LAN 2305, the transmitted print data can be actuallyprinted out (image output) by the printer 2330.

FIG. 24 is a block diagram showing an example of the constitution ofeach of the image forming devices 2301 and 2302. It should be notedthat, in FIG. 24, the constitutional elements which are equivalent tothose shown in FIG. 23 are denoted by the corresponding same numeralsrespectively. Numeral 2401 denotes an original glass plate on which theoriginals fed from an automatic document feeder 24420 are sequentiallyput on one by one at the predetermined position, and numeral 2404denotes an original illumination lamp which consists of, for example, ahalogen lamp and illuminates the original put on the original glassplate 2401.

Numerals 2403, 2404 and 2405 respectively denote scanning mirrors whichare held in a not-shown optical scanning unit. The scanning mirrors2403, 2404 and 2405 together reciprocate to guide the reflection lightfrom the original to a CCD unit 2406. The CCD unit 2406 consists of animaging lens 2407 for forming an image on an image pickup element 2408on the basis of the reflection light from the original, the image pickupelement 2408 composed of, for example, a CCD, a CCD driver 2409 fordriving the image pickup element 2408, and the like. Here, the imagesignal output from the image pickup element 2408 is transformed into,e.g., eight-bit digital data, and then input to the controller unit2340.

Numeral 2410 denotes a photosensitive drum of which the electricity iseliminated by a pre-exposure lamp 2412 for preparation of the imageformation. Then, the photosensitive drum 2410 is uniformlyelectrical-charged by a primary charger 2413. Numeral 2417 denotes anexposure unit which comprises, for example, a semiconductor laser or thelike. The exposure unit 2417 exposes the photosensitive drum 2410 toform an electrostatic latent image thereon in response to the image dataprocessed by the controller unit 2340.

Numeral 2418 denotes a developing unit which holds therein a blackdeveloper (toner), and numeral 2419 denotes a pre-transfer charger whichapplies high voltage to the photosensitive drum 2410 before the tonerimage developed on the photosensitive drum 2410 is transferred to thepaper. Numerals 2422, 2424, 2442 and 2444 respectively denote paperfeeding units, and numeral 2420 denotes a manual paper feeding unit.More specifically, the transfer paper is fed into the device by thedriving of paper feeding rollers 2421, 2423, 2425, 2443 and 2445, thefed paper is once stopped at the position where a registration roller2426 is disposed, and then the once-stopped paper is re-fed in exacttiming with the start of the image formation on the photosensitive drum2410.

Numeral 2427 denotes a transfer charger which transfers the toner imagedeveloped on the photosensitive drum 2410 onto the fed transfer paper,and numeral 2428 denotes a separation charger which separates thetransfer paper to which the transfer operation ended from thephotosensitive drum 2410. Then, the toner which is not transferred andthus remains on the photosensitive drum 2410 is retrieved by a cleaner2411.

Numeral 2429 denotes a transportation belt which is used to transportthe transfer paper to which the transfer operation ended to a fixingunit 2430. In the fixing unit 2430, the developed image is fixed to thetransfer paper by, for example, heat and pressure. Numeral 2431 denotesa flapper which is used to controllably guide the transportation pathfor the transfer paper, to which the transfer operation ended, towardeither a sorter 2432 or an intermediate tray 2437. Numeral 2433 to 2436respectively denote feeding rollers which are used to feed the transferpaper, to which the fixing operation once ended, as inverting it (incase of multi-copying) or not inverting it (in case of double-sidedcopying). Numeral 2438 denotes a re-feeding roller which is used to feedand transport the transfer paper put on the intermediate tray 2437 againto the position where the registration roller 2426 is disposed.

FIG. 25 is a block diagram showing the hardware constitution of each ofthe PC's 2303 and 2304. In FIG. 25, numeral 2502 denotes a CPU, numeral2502 denotes a ROM which stores therein various programs such as a bootprogram and the like, numeral 2503 denotes a RAM which is used as theoperation area when the application is executed, numeral 2504 denotes anHDD (hard disk drive) which acts as the nonvolatile storage unit forstoring the applications and the processed data, numeral 2505 denotes anNVRAM (nonvolatile RAM) which stores therein the basic settinginformation and the like, and numeral 2506 denotes a communicationcontrol unit. Here, it should be noted that these the constitutionalelements are mutually connected through a bus 2507.

FIG. 26 is a block diagram showing the hardware constitution of thecontroller unit 2340 of each of the image forming devices 2301 and 2302.In particular, it should be noted that the relevant hardwareconstitution returns, even in the later-described deep sleep state, thedevice to the power feeding state so as to be able to respond to thevarious requests transmitted from an external device. In FIG. 26, animage processing control unit 2601 which is included in the controllerunit 2340 comprises a one-chip control unit (controller chip) 2602.Here, the control unit 2602 consists of a ROM I/F (interface) for anot-shown ROM storing various programs, a RAM I/F for a RAM including aDRAM (dynamic RAM), a PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) bus I/F, avideo I/F, hardware for extracting print description languagestransferred from the external devices, an ASIC (application specificintegrated circuit) including compression/extraction functions forvarious data, and the like. Besides, the control unit 2602 has thefunction for executing the image process to the print data received fromthe external device through a network or an LANC (LAN controller) 2610,and the function for receiving and processing the data given through theLANC 2610.

An HDD (hard disk drive) 2603 is the nonvolatile storage means whichcontinues to store the data even if the main power source is not turnedon. Incidentally, the HDD 2603 stores therein the initializationprograms for the respective constitutional elements of the imageprocessing control unit 2601, the initial setting values (parameters)for image processing, communications, displaying and the like, and theprograms for defining the various operations such as image processing,communications, displaying and the like. In the present embodiment, thedata which concerns the initialization and is stored in the HDD 2603 isoften called initialization data or setting data. If the main powersource of the image forming device 2301 (or 2302) is turned on, itstarts to execute the boot program stored in the HDD 2603. Thus, theinitialization programs, the initial setting values (parameters), themain programs and the like are read from the HDD 2603 by the respectiveunits of the image processing control unit 2601 including the controlunit 2602, whereby the initialization processes are executed.

An SDRAM (synchronous dynamic RAM) 2604 acts to temporarily store theprint data extracted by the control unit 2602, and temporarily save theinitialization data and the setting data read from the HDD 2603 in caseof the initialization process, according as the device comes into thelater-described deep sleep state. In any case, the saved initializationdata and the saved setting data are again used by the respectiveconstitutional elements of the image processing control unit 2601 whenthe device returns from the deep sleep state, whereby high-speed returncan be achieved when the power source to the respective constitutionalelements is again turned on. Incidentally, in addition to the SDRAM, itis possible to use a DDR-SDRAM (double data rate SDRAM), an SRAM (staticRAM), or the like. Generally, the data reading/writing speed of thevolatile storage means is higher than that of the nonvolatile storagemeans such as a hard disk, an EEPROM (electronically erasable andprogrammable ROM), a flash memory or the like, whereby it is desirableto use the volatile storage means rather than the nonvolatile storagemeans. In particular, if the data size of the program is large, it isoften necessary to store the relevant program in the hard disk becauseof the limitation of data size in the ROM. In such a case, a high-speedprocess is specifically effective.

Hereinafter, the deep sleep in the present embodiment will be explained.If the image processing control unit 2601 does not receive aninterruption signal for a certain period of time after starting thetimer, it is controlled by the image processing control unit 2601 tofeed overnight power from the power source unit 2614 to, from among thefunctional blocks disposed in the image processing control unit 2601, aminimum of functional blocks necessary to receive and process the printdata from the external devices and return from the state incapable ofresponding to a status request (that is, for example, the SDRAM 2604, anoperation display unit 2608, an expansion I/F 2612, the LANC 2610, anetwork I/F (LAN I/F) 2609, a power source SW (switching) circuit 2617,and the like are included in these functional blocks). Moreover, it isfurther controlled by the image processing control unit 2601 not to feedpower to other functional blocks from among the functional blocksdisposed in the image processing control unit 2601.

The overnight power is fed to the operation display unit 2608, whereby,through the operation display unit 2608, the user can confirm the status(or state) of the image forming device including the image processingcontrol unit 2601 and change the settings concerning the various imageprocesses. Then, according to the operation to the operation displayunit 2608, a start signal (shown as PME (power management event) in FIG.26) for returning the image processing control unit 2601 from the deepsleep state is generated. Here, it should be noted that this operationwill be later described in detail. The PME is used for the indication toturn on the power source of the system, and can be received by thesystem which is equipped with a PCI2.2-compliant bus. However, thepresent invention is not limited to the PME, that is, it is possible toapply a unique indication signal and another indication signal if theycan indicate to turn on the power source.

The LAN I/F 2609 is the interface means for executing various datacommunication with plural external devices (including the host computerand the information processing device). For example, a 10/100 BASE-Tconnector can be adopted to the LAN I/F 2609.

The LANC 2610 controls the communication with the external devicesthrough the LAN I/F 2609. Besides, it should be noted that the LANC 2610comprises one portion (dotted-line portion) to which power is fed froman overnight power source unit 2615 and the other portion (solid-lineportion) to which power is fed from a non-overnight power source unit2616. The dotted-line portion of the LANC 2610 functions as the monitorunit for monitoring, in response to an inquiry externally transmittedthrough the LAN I/F 2609, which pattern data from among the plural kindsof pattern date is received. Then, if any one of the plural kinds ofpattern data is confirmed through the monitoring by the monitor unit,the start signal is generated to return the control unit 2602 from thedeep sleep state. Here, it should be noted that both the overnight powersource unit 2615 and the non-overnight power source unit 2616 areincluded in the power source unit 2614. Incidentally, numeral 2618denotes a power saving mode setting unit.

Here, the plural patterns are registered in an MAC ROM 2611 and readtherefrom by the LANC 2610 in the initialization process. Incidentally,the overnight power may be fed to the MAC ROM 2611, and the pattern tobe registered in the MAC ROM 2611 may be set by the user through theoperation display unit 2608 or externally set from remotely locateddevice such as the PC 2303 or 2304 through the network.

In addition, as the plural patterns, for example, (1) the pattern of anARP (address resolution protocol) packet of which the target IP addressis the IP address of own device, (2) the pattern of the multicast packet(of which the destinations are the plural specified devices) or thebroadcast packet (of which the destination is the unspecified device)which has the pattern including the communication information of whichthe destination is the unspecified device or the plural specifieddevices and a unique identifier to be used for the power source control,and the like are cited.

Here, the communication information indicates the information to be usedfor the data communication of, for example, the Ethernet address of thedestination of an Ethernet frame, the IP address of the destination ofan IP frame, the port number of a transmission source, the port numberof a destination, and the like.

Moreover, the unique identifier to be used for the power source controlindicates the identifier which can be interpreted as the pattern suchas, for example, a specific operation code, a specific character stringor the like, to be used as the trigger for returning the device from thedeep sleep state.

Incidentally, it should be noted that, in addition to the image formingdevice side, the host computer side comprises the generation unit (thatis, an application, a communication module, a printer driver, or thelike) for generating such a unique pattern.

Next, the functional constitution and the processing operation by theinstaller for setting up the logical printer to each of the PC's 2303and 2304 will be explained hereinafter with reference to FIG. 27.Incidentally, the logical printer generically indicates the softwaremodule, the object, the setting value for the object which are all usedto transmit the print data generated based on the application data inthe PC to the print device on the network. For example, the Windows'printer or the like is well known as a typical example. In the meantime,each of the PC's 2303 and 2304 comprises a UI (user interface) displayunit 2701, a sequence processing unit 2702, a device (print device)search unit 2703, a port creation unit 2704, and an installationexecution unit 2705.

In the installation, the following procedures are executed between thesequence processing unit 2702 and the device search unit 2703. Morespecifically, (1) a device search request (that is, confirmation of theexistence of the device based on an SNMP (simple network managementprotocol)) is issued, and (2) the IP address and the printer name (andother device information (MIB) such as the MAC address, the location,etc.) of the device to be searched is returned. Besides, the additionalinformation concerning the device to be searched may be acquired byusing the MIB. Here, as the additional information, for example, theoption information concerning the stapler implemented in the relevantprinter, or the like can be used. In any case, the acquired informationis reflected in the default setting of the logical printer in each ofthe PC's 2303 and 2304.

In addition, the following procedures are executed between the sequenceprocessing unit 2702 and the port creation unit 2704. More specifically,(3) a port creation request corresponding to the IP address of theselected image forming device is issued, and (4) the result of thecreation is notified.

In addition, the following procedures are executed between the sequenceprocessing unit 2702 and the installation execution unit 2705. Morespecifically, (5) an installation request is issued, and (6) the resultof the installation is notified.

Then, in the case where the search result based on the later-describedsearch process is acquired by the PC 2303 (or 2304) and the printer tobe installed is selected, the selected printer is actually set up in thePC 2303 (or 2304) by the known constitution shown in FIG. 27.

FIG. 28 is a flow chart showing the process by the control unit 2602 ofthe image processing control unit 2601. First, in a step S2801, it isjudged whether or not there is an input from the outside for a firstpredetermined period of time (e.g., five minutes). Here, it should benoted that the input from the outside includes the print data (printrequest), an inquiry for the status (state) of the image forming device,and the like.

If it is judged in the step S2801 that there is the input from theoutside, the judgment in the step S2801 is repeated until the firstpredetermined period of time elapses without any input. Incidentally,the judgment process in the step S2801 may actually be equivalent to theprocess of monitoring occurrence of an event, that is, the process ofmonitoring the event which occurs in the case where the firstpredetermined period of time elapses.

Meanwhile, if it is judged in the step S2801 that there is no input fromthe outside, the flow advances to a step S2802 to control or suppressthe power feeding to the printer engine. In such a case, it is alsopossible to interrupt the power feeding to the printer engine or lowerthe power feeding to the extent capable of maintaining the afterheat ofthe printer engine. Here, it should be noted that the power stateachieved in the step S2802 is called the light sleep state.Incidentally, in addition to the above judged result, if it is judged inthe step S2801 that a command for forcedly change the state to the lightsleep state is generated by the operation display unit 2608 or theexpansion I/F 2612, the flow also advances to the step S2802. That is,even in such a case, it is possible to apply the above variousconditions.

Then, in a step S2803, it is further judged whether or not there is aninput from the outside for a second predetermined period of time (e.g.,further five minutes after the first predetermined period of timeelapsed). Here, it should be noted that the input from the outsideincludes the data pattern for returning the device from the deep sleepstate, requests of the various statuses (states) of the image formingdevice, the print data, an indication input through the operationdisplay unit 2608, and the like.

If it is judged in the step S2803 that there is no input from theoutside, the flow advances to a step S2804 to further judge whether ornot it is possible to change the state to the deep sleep state. possibleto interrupt the power feeding to the printer engine or lower the powerfeeding to the extent capable of maintaining the afterheat of theprinter engine. Here, it should be noted that the power state achievedin the step S2802 is called the light sleep state. Incidentally, inaddition to the above judged result, if it is judged in the step S2803that a command for forcedly change the state to the deep sleep state isgenerated by the operation display unit 2608 or the expansion I/F 2612,the flow also advances to the step S2804. That is, even in such a case,it is possible to apply the above various conditions.

Then, if it is judged in the step S2804 that it is possible to changethe state to the deep sleep state, the initialization data and thesetting data read by the image processing control unit 2601 (or thecontrol unit 2602) in the initialization process are once saved in theSDRAM 2604.

After the relevant data were saved in the SDRAM 2604, in a step S2806,the power feeding from the non-overnight power source unit 2616 isinterrupted. More specifically, a switching signal is transferred to thepower source SW circuit 2617 to interrupt the power feeding from thenon-overnight power source unit 2616, and the power source SW circuit2617 operates to stop the power feeding from the non-overnight powersource unit 2616, whereby the image processing control unit 2601 comesinto the deep sleep state of which the standby power is less than 1 W.Moreover, the power saving for stopping the function of, in addition tothe control unit 2606, the solid-line portion of the LANC 2610 (that is,the communication control unit for transferring the print data and thelike transmitted from the outside to the control unit 2602), whereby itis possible to achieve further power saving in the communication unit.

In a step S2807, it is monitored to judge whether or not the eventindicating to return from the deep sleep state is input. Morespecifically, when the PME shown in FIG. 26 is input to the power sourceSW circuit 2617, it is judged in the step S2807 that the relevant eventis input (YES). Incidentally, it should be noted that the relevant eventmonitoring process as in the step S2807 can be achieved by the hardwareconstitution such as the power source SW circuit 2617 or by software.

If it is judged in the step S2807 that the relevant event is input(YES), the flow advances to a step S2808 to further judge whether or notthe return is the return from the deep sleep state. More specifically,in the step S2808, the change history to the deep sleep state is held asthe flag in a predetermined memory region, and the power source SWcircuit 2617 executes the relevant judgment as referring to the heldflag. That is, if the flag does not stand, it implies that the mainpower source is operated from the off state to the on state. In thatcase, the initialization process is executed to the main body of theprint device based on the setting data read from the nonvolatile storagemeans (HDD 2603), and thereafter the flow advances to the step S2801 orS2803.

If it is judged “YES” in the step S2808, the flow advances to a stepS2809. In the step S2809, the various parameters and the main programssaved in the SDRAM 2604 in the step S2805 are read by the control unit2602.

After then, in a step S2810, the power state is returned to the lightsleep state. In the light sleep state, at least the printer engine cancommunicate with the external devices through the LAN, a USB and thelike without actually operating it unlike the print operation. At thattime, the power is fed also to the solid-line portion of the LANC 2610(that is, the communication control unit for transferring the variousdata externally transmitted to the control unit 2602).

Incidentally, it should be noted that the return to the light sleepstate in the step S2810 corresponds to the change to the state ofreceiving the print data and the state capable of responding to thevarious inquiries externally transmitted to the print device. Then,after the power state was returned to the light sleep state, theprocesses in a step S2811 and the following steps are executed accordingto the various commands transmitted from the external devices.Alternatively, it is also possible to add the commands of the status(state) request, the search response request and the like to thelater-described unique frame pattern.

Then, in the step S2811, it is judged whether or not the responseconcerning the state of the image forming device is received from theexternal device. If it is judged that the response is received (YES),then the flow advances to a step S2815 to execute the statue (state)response process. Then, in a step S2816, the timer is reset, and theflow returns to the step S2803.

Incidentally, it occasionally takes several seconds in the case wherethe power state returns from the deep sleep state to the light sleepstate in accordance with the reading speed and the read data amount ofthe SDRAM. In such a case, it may be thought to be unable to quicklyrespond to the externally transmitted request. However, even in such acase, by causing the external device to retry the request, the status(state) response request can resultingly be transmitted from the imageforming device to the external device.

In the meanwhile, if it is judged in the step S2811 that the response isnot received (NO), the flow advances to a step S2812 to further judgedwhether or not the print request is received. If it is judged that theprint request is not received (NO), the flow returns to the step S2803.

Meanwhile, if it is judged in the step S2812 that the print request isreceived (YES), the flow advances to a step S2813 to execute the powercontrol so as to turn on the power source of the printer engine. Then,in a step S2814, various print output processes are executed. After thevarious print output processes in the step S2814 ended, the flow returnsto the step S2801.

Subsequently, the monitoring process from the deep sleep state to thegeneration of the return signal will be explained hereinafter withreference to FIG. 29. Here, the relevant monitoring process includes themonitoring process by the monitor unit of the LANC 2610 for monitoringwhich pattern data from among the plural kinds of pattern date isreceived. Incidentally, it should be noted that the processes in theflow chart of FIG. 29 may be executed in synchronism with the process inthe step S2807 in the flow chart of FIG. 28, or may be executed inparallel as a routine independently of the processes in the flow chartof FIG. 28.

The process in each step of the flow chart shown in FIG. 29 is executedin the case where the image processing control unit 2601 is in the deepsleep state, the process in a step S2901 is executed according to theoperation (or handling) to the operation display unit 2608, and theprocesses in steps S2902 to S2905 correspond to the processes to beexecuted by the LANC 2610. Then, if the signal is generated in theprocess in a step S2906, it is judged “YES” in the step S2807 of FIG.28.

More specifically, it is first judged in the step S2901 whether or notsome kind or another operation is executed to the operation display unit2608. Here, as the operation to be executed to the operation displayunit 2608, it is possible to include the depression of the buttondisposed on the operation display unit 2608 and also include the touchto the LCD screen if the operation display unit 2608 is the LCD panel.

If it is judged in the step S2901 that the operation is executed to theoperation display unit 2608 (YES), the return signal (shown as PME inFIG. 26) for returning from the deep sleep state is generated (stepS2906).

Then, it is judged in the step S2902 whether or not the packet of whichthe destination is the own device is received. Here, in the judgment ofpacket reception, it is possible to adopt any of the IP address, the MACaddress, the device serial number, the device name. Moreover, the ARPpacket can be adopted as the packet of which the destination is the owndevice.

Subsequently, it is judged in the step S2903 whether or not the SLPpacket including the unique pattern is received. Here, the uniquepattern may be described at the expansion portion in the SLP packet, andany data to which the unique pattern can be embedded can be usedappropriately as the data to be processed in the step S2903.

After then, it is judged in the step S2904 whether or not the broadcastpacket or the broadcast data which includes the unique pattern isreceived. Also, in that case, any broadcast packet or broadcast data towhich the unique pattern can be embedded can be used appropriately asthe data to be processed in the step S2904.

Subsequently, it is judged in the step S2905 whether or not the commandto change the power state to the light sleep state is received from theexpansion I/F 2612.

Incidentally, if it is judged “YES” in each of the steps S2902 to S2905,the return signal (shown as PME in FIG. 26) for returning from the deepsleep state is generated (step S2906).

As above, according to the flow chart shown in FIG. 29, in the casewhere the inquiry is transmitted from the outside, it is possible tomonitor the data reception of any one of the plural kinds of patterns.Here, it should be noted that the plural kinds of patterns include thepattern which includes the communication information to be transmittedto the unspecified device (step S2904) or the plural specified devices(step S2903) and the identifiers to be used to control the power source.Besides, in the case where the data of any pattern is received throughthe LAN I/F 2609 and the LANC 2610, it is possible to feed the power tothe control unit 2602.

FIG. 30 is a diagram for explaining the SLP multicast packet which is anexample of the data pattern which includes the communication informationto be transmitted to the unspecified device or the plural specifieddevices and the identifiers to be used to control the power source. Inother words, FIG. 30 shows an example of the pattern which is monitoredby the LANC 2610. In FIG. 30, star-shaped parameter items 2001 to 3007indicate that the relevant packet is the service request packet of SLP(Service Location Protocol) and the relevant address is the pluralspecified devices.

In particular, it is possible based on the destination port number 3006to discriminate that the packet is the SLP packet. However, the patternwhich enables to discriminate that the packet is the SLP packet may beincluded in the unique frame pattern 3007. The unique frame pattern 3007indicates the unique frame pattern which acts as the identifier to beused in the power source control in the print device. Further, theunique frame pattern 3007 can be arbitrarily set on the side ofproviding the print device or the side of using the print device.Moreover, the unique frame pattern 3007 can be used to return in a lumpthe device group supposed by the side of providing the print device orthe side of using the print device from the deep sleep state. Thus, onlythe necessary device can be searched from the network, whereby thenetwork search at the time of the setup of the printer driver can beachieved. Incidentally, although the unique frame pattern 3007 shown inFIG. 30 includes only one item, it may include plural items.

Besides, by multicasting the inquiry based on the data as shown in FIG.30 to the plural print devices on the network, the external device canstart in a lump the plural print devices capable of interpreting theunique frame pattern 3007 with a small operation.

Incidentally, it should be noted that the data pattern which includesthe communication information to be transmitted to the plural specifieddevices and the identifiers to be used to control the power source isnot limited to the pattern example of the SLP packet as shown in FIG.30. That is, the relevant pattern may include a unique identifier(unique frame pattern) which is uniquely created. Besides, the relevantpattern may include, in addition to the item for discriminating the SLPpacket (i.e., the communication information to be transmitted to theplural specified devices), an identifier to be used for the power sourcecontrol. For example, it is possible to set an imaginary value to“TRANSMISSION SIDE PORT NUMBER” shown in FIG. 30, and thus return theprint device from the deep sleep state on the basis of theinterpretation of the set imaginary value.

Moreover, in the example of FIG. 30, as the destination IP address, themulticast address which includes the plural specified devices as itsaddresses is adopted. In the meanwhile, if it includes the unspecifieddevice as the address, the destination IP address only has to be set asthe broadcast address (ff:ff:ff:ff).

Subsequently, the whole search process in the PC 2303 (or 2304) shown inFIG. 23 will be explained with reference to FIG. 31. Incidentally, theflow chart shown in FIG. 31 shows the process which starts the imageforming device of which the LANC 2610 shown in FIG. 26 previously stores(registers) the specific data pattern, and acquires the pattern as theresult of search. Initially, in a step S3101, the driver installerstarts the operation. Here, it should be noted that the driver installeris equivalent to the block shown in FIG. 27.

Then, if the setup for the print device is indicated by the user throughthe setting screen of the driver installer, the flow advances to a stepS3102 to generate the data including the specific data pattern to theplural print devices disposed on the network. Here, the process in thestep S3102 may be executed in conjunction with the process in the stepS3101, or may be executed in response to the user's indication. Besides,the specific data pattern may be the SNMP broadcast packet or the like.In that case, the data pattern of the SNMP broadcast packet isregistered in the LANC 2610, whereby the image forming device canrecognize the SNMP broadcast packet issued and generated onto thenetwork.

Next, in a step S3103, the data for requesting the informationindicating the existence of the printer device is generated andtransmitted to the print devices on the network. For example, it onlyhas to generate and transmit the printer MIB for requesting the printername and the IP address, by the SNMP broadcasting.

Then, the print device which can respond to the printer MIB generated inthe step S3103 corresponds to the print device which started itsoperation from the deep sleep state in response to the data generated inthe step S3102 and the print device which has been previously in thestate capable of executing communication.

Next, in a step S3104, as well as the step S3103, the printer MIB whichacquires the further detailed information of the print devices isgenerated and transmitted to the print devices on the network by, forexample, the SNMP broadcasting. Here, the detailed information of theprint device indicates, for example, the paper sizes which areassociated with the paper feeding trays, or the like. Incidentally, theinquiry content in the step S3104 may be included in the step S3103 soas to omit the process in the step S3104.

Then, in a step S3105, the search results which are recognized accordingto the responses from the single print device or the plural printdevices with respect to the inquiries in the steps S3103 and S3104 aredisplayed on the display unit of the PC 2303 (or 2304) as the list ofthe print devices.

Subsequently, it is judged in a step S3106 whether or not the specificprint device included in the list of the print devices is indicated toexecute the setup to the information processing device. If it is judged“YES” in the step S3106, the flow advances to a step S3107 to executethe setup on the basis of the information acquired from the printdevices in the steps S3103 and S3104. Here, it should be noted that theknown constitution as shown in FIG. 27 may be used in the setup process,whereby the detailed explanation thereof will be omitted forsimplification.

As described above, according to the processes as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 31, even if the print device comes into the deep sleepstate as in the present embodiment and thus cannot respond to thereception of print jobs, the externally transmitted inquiries for theprint device, and the like, it is possible to cause the informationprocessing device to display the list of the print devices. Thus, itenables to execute the setup of the print device which is intended to beused by the user. Therefore, with respect to the setup of the printdevice and the like in the information processing device, it is possibleto achieve the constitution which can improve the power savingefficiency of the print device and respond to the device search, anddoes not lower the usability.

Subsequently, the whole search process, different from the process inthe flow chart of FIG. 31, in the PC 2303 (or 2304) shown in FIG. 23will be explained with reference to FIG. 32. Here, although the SNMPbroadcast packet or the like is used as the specific data pattern inFIG. 31, the SLP multicast packet which is the example of the datapattern which includes the communication information to be transmittedto the unspecified device or the plural specified devices and theidentifiers to be used to control the power source is used as thespecific data pattern in FIG. 32. Incidentally, in the flow chart ofFIG. 32, the processes same as those in the flow chart of FIG. 31 arerespectively denoted by the corresponding same symbols, and the detailexplanation thereof will be omitted.

In a step S3202, the data pattern which includes the communicationinformation to be transmitted to the unspecified device or the pluralspecified devices and the identifiers to be used to control the powersource is issued or generated to the plural print devices on thenetwork. In that case, the print device which previously registers inthe LANC the data pattern including the communication information andthe identifier to be used in the power source control returns from thedeep sleep state to the state capable of executing the communication inresponse to the data generated in the step S3202. The above-explainedpattern shown in FIG. 30 corresponds to an example of the data generatedin the step S3202.

As above, by using the data pattern which includes the communicationinformation to be transmitted to the unspecified device or the pluralspecified devices and the identifiers to be used to control the powersource, it is possible to freely set the rule for returning the printdevice from the deep sleep state, as compared with the case of using theSNMP broadcast packet or the like. As a result, the condition forreturning the print device from the deep sleep state can be limited,whereby it is possible to eliminate the inconvenience of needlesslystarting the operation of the print device in response to the externallyinput access, and it is thus possible to promote the power saving.

FIG. 33 is a flow chart showing the search process in the PC 2303 (or2304) according to the present embodiment. In the print system whichexecutes the print process by transmitting and receiving the informationthrough the network as shown in FIG. 23, when the printer driver isinstalled in a new personal computer (information processing device),the print devices on the network are first searched from the informationprocessing device, and then the desired print devices are selected fromthe displayed print devices searched, and then the printer driver isactually installed.

In the present embodiment, in case of searching the print devices, thesimple search capable of searching the print device in the state thatthe communication unit thereof can execute the status (state) responsein the power state of at least the normal mode is first executed. Then,based on the displayed result concerning the searched print devices, itcauses the user to select whether or not to execute the whole searchcapable of searching the print devices in the power saving mode (deepsleep state).

More specifically, the simple search will be explained hereinafter. Thesimple search indicates the broadcast search packet or the like whichdoes not include the pattern for returning the print device registeredin the MAC ROM 2611 of FIG. 26 from the deep sleep state. For example, aPING which is the program for confirming whether or not the computer onthe network is in a communicable state is used as the broadcast searchpacket (simple search). If the power source state of the print devicedoes not come into the deep sleep state, the typical print devices canrespond to the simple search. For example, the print device can executethe search (step S3103) without issuing (or generating) the specificdata pattern (step S3102) in the flow chart of FIG. 31 and issuing (orgenerating) the data pattern (step S3202) which includes thecommunication information to be transmitted to the unspecified device orthe plural specified devices and the identifiers to be used to controlthe power source in the flow chart of FIG. 32.

Initially, in order to use the print device connected on the network, itstarts up the driver installer on the information processing device toinstall the printer driver in the information processing device (stepS3301).

Then, the started-up installer transmits the information packet whichcan be searched by the print devices of at least the normal mode such asthe broadcasting (ARP packet) or the like to the plural print devicesconnected on the network, thereby executing the simple search (stepS3302). Then, the installer displays the list of thus acquired printdevices to which the printer driver can be installed (step S3303).

FIG. 34 is a diagram showing a display example of the driver-installableprint devices which are acquired as a result of the simple search. Here,in the relevant list, the names of the print devices, the locations ofthereof, the model names thereof, and the like are displayed. Thus, itis judged by the user whether or not the print device to which theprinter driver should be installed exists in the relevant list (stepS3304). If it is judged that the print device to which the printerdriver should be installed exists, the relevant print device is selectedin the displayed list (step S3305), and the printer driver is actuallyinstalled to the selected print device (step S3306).

Meanwhile, if it is judged in the step S3304 that the print device towhich the printer driver should be installed does not exist in thedisplayed list, there is a possibility that the simple search isimpossible because the print devices connected on the network are all inthe power saving mode (deep sleep state). Therefore, in that case, thewhole search by which even the print device in the power saving mode canbe searched is executed (step S3307). Then, it displays the list of thusacquired print devices to which the printer driver can be installed(step S3308). Here, it should be noted that, as shown in FIGS. 31 and32, the whole search is the operation which forcedly causes the printdevices being in the power saving mode come into the normal mode so asto be able to search all the print devices.

FIG. 35 is a diagram showing a display example of the driver-installableprint devices which are acquired as a result of the whole search. Here,in the relevant list, it is judged by the user whether or not the printdevice to which the printer driver should be installed exists (stepS3309). If it is judged that the print device to which the printerdriver should be installed exists, the relevant print device is selectedin the displayed list (step S3310), and the logical printercorresponding to the print device indicated from the searched result isset up (step S3311). Here, it is assumed that such setup includes theinstallation of printer driver, the setting of output port, the defaultsetting of logical printer, the reflection of print device mountinginformation configurated from the print device on the logical printer,and the like, as explained in FIG. 27.

Meanwhile, if it is judged in the step S3309 that the print device towhich the printer driver should be installed does not exist in thedisplayed list, the installation of the printer driver is cancelled.

In the present embodiment, it is judged based on the result of thesimple search whether or not to execute the whole search. However, thepresent invention is not limited to this. That is, it is also possibleto selectively execute either the simple search or the whole search. Inthat case, as a result of the simple search, if the print device towhich the printer driver can be installed does not exist and the reasonwhy the power source is not turned on is obvious, it is possible toagain execute the simple search after turning on the power source. Bydoing so, it is possible to install the printer driver without executingthe whole search.

In that case, for example, as shown in a search list 3601 of FIG. 36,when the indication is input through a whole search indication button3605 or a simple search indication button 3606, either the whole searchor the simple search is selectively executed. Then, the searched resultis displayed on a display portion 3602 in either the whole search andthe simple search. Subsequently, the specific print device is selectedfrom the searched result through a printer selection indication button3603, and the setup process is executed if the indication is inputthrough an OK indication button 3604.

Other Embodiments

The present invention may be applied to the system constituted by theplural devices, or to the apparatus comprising the single device.

Incidentally, in the above embodiments, the transmission range of thesearch packet is the same as the transmission range of the wakeuppacket. However, the present invention is not limited to this. That is,in the present invention, the transmission range of the wakeup packetonly has to be wider than the transmission range of the search packet.

Moreover, in the above embodiments, the computer device searches theimage processing device. However, the present invention is not limitedto this. That is, the present invention is also applicable to a casewhere the image processing device searches the image processing devices.

Further, it is needless to say that the present invention can be appliedto a case where a storage medium storing therein program codes ofsoftware to realize the functions of the above embodiments is suppliedto a system or an apparatus, and thus a computer (or CPU or MPU) in thesystem or the apparatus reads and executes the program codes stored inthe medium.

In this case, the program codes themselves read out of the storagemedium realize the functions of the above embodiments. Therefore, thestorage medium storing these program codes constitutes the presentinvention. As the storage medium from which the program codes aresupplied, for example, a floppy™ disk, a hard disk, an optical disk, amagnetooptical disk, a CD-ROM, a CD-R, a magnetic tape, a nonvolatilememory card, a ROM, downloading through the network, and the like can beused.

Further, it is needless to say that the present invention includes notonly a case where the functions of the above embodiments are realized byexecuting the program codes read by the computer, but also a case wherean OS (operating system) or the like running on the computer performs apart or all of the actual processes on the basis of indications of theprogram codes and thus the functions of the above embodiments arerealized by these processes.

Furthermore, it is needless to say that the present invention alsoincludes a case where, after the program codes read out of the storagemedium are written into a function expansion board inserted in thecomputer or a memory in a function expansion unit connected to thecomputer, a CPU or the like provided in the function expansion board orthe function expansion unit executes a part or all of the actualprocesses on the basis of the instructions of the program codes, andthus the functions of the above embodiments are realized by such theprocesses.

This application claims priority from Japanese Patent Application No.2004-218822 filed Jul. 27, 2004, Japanese Patent Application No.2004-220026 filed Jul. 28, 2004 which are hereby incorporated byreference herein.

1. An information processing apparatus capable of communicating with animage processing apparatus on a network, comprising: a searchinstruction unit configured to issue a search instruction for searchingfor the image processing apparatus on the network; a first transmissionunit configured to transmit, in response to the search instructionissued by the search instruction unit, a request for changing a state ofthe image processing apparatus on the network into a state that theimage processing apparatus can respond to a search request; and a secondtransmission unit configured to transmit the search request forsearching for the image processing apparatus after the request wastransmitted by the first transmission unit, wherein the request and thesearch request are transmitted to a same transmission range.
 2. Aninformation processing apparatus according to claim 1, furthercomprising a designation unit configured to designate the transmissionrange to which the search request is transmitted by the secondtransmission unit, wherein the first transmission unit transmits therequest to the transmission range designated by the designation unit. 3.An information processing apparatus according to claim 1, furthercomprising a reception unit configured to receive a response to thesearch request from the image processing apparatus satisfying the searchrequest.
 4. An information processing apparatus according to claim 3,further comprising a display unit configured to display informationindicating the image processing apparatus satisfying the search request,based on the response received by the reception unit.
 5. An informationprocessing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the search requestincludes a setting value set by a user, and the reception unit receivesthe response from the image processing apparatus satisfying the settingvalue.
 6. An information processing apparatus according to claim 1,wherein the state that the image processing apparatus can respond to thesearch request is a state that the image processing apparatus hasreturned from a specific power saving state.
 7. An informationprocessing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the transmissionrange is a range which is determined by TTL (Time To Live).
 8. A controlmethod for an information processing apparatus capable of communicatingwith an image processing apparatus on a network, the method comprising:issuing a search instruction for searching for the image processingapparatus on the network; transmitting, in response to the issued searchinstruction, a request for changing a state of the image processingapparatus on the network into a state that the image processingapparatus can respond to a search request; and transmitting the searchrequest for searching for the image processing apparatus after therequest was transmitted, wherein the request and the search request aretransmitted to a same transmission range.
 9. A non-transitorycomputer-readable storage medium of storing a computer-executableprogram to achieve a control method for an information processingapparatus capable of communicating with an image processing apparatus ona network, the control method comprising: issuing a search instructionfor searching for the image processing apparatus on the network;transmitting, in response to the issued search instruction, a requestfor changing a state of the image processing apparatus on the networkinto a state that the image processing apparatus can respond to a searchrequest; and transmitting the search request for searching for the imageprocessing apparatus after the request was transmitted, wherein therequest and the search request are transmitted to a same transmissionrange.